Kubiak: Key for Texans is having young players who can push veterans

Resting starters during minicamp isn’t a new thing for Texans coach Gary Kubiak, but Wednesday he offered a little more insight into why he does it.

“First off, my attendance is tremendous with my team during the offseason,” Kubiak said. “We had everybody here except for one and we understand that. They give me everything they got. We’ve been excellent through OTAs. I believe the key to our team is getting the young guys in the position to push the older guys and compete. Instead of going back and rehashing three more days of what we’ve been doing all summer long, I think it’s better for these young guys to basically go through an exam. Find out where they’re at, know what they’ve gotta get done to come in here and help this team.”

Kubiak further noted that young players become especially important when it comes to filling holes on the roster.

With their salary cap situation as it has been, the Texans weren’t in the position this year to chase high-priced free agents. They looked to the draft and signed reasonable deals with the free agents they did bring in. As a result, this year, the Texans are expecting young players to play roles at inside and outside linebacker, third-string running back and, of course, receiver. Plus, depending on Ed Reed’s recovery, safety D.J. Swearinger could begin the season as the Texans’ starting safety.

The more Kubiak can ask of those players, the quicker he’ll figure out who’s ready.